5 Keys to Trusting God

I have been pondering the concept of trust quite a bit lately. In studying the Bible, I have found that we are repeatedly encouraged that if we “trust in the Lord, we will not be disappointed” (Psalm 25:3, Isaiah 28:13, Isaiah 49:23, Romans 10:11, 1 Peter 2:6). This is an empowering promise.

In my own life, I can look back and see how my struggle to fully trust God has been much like a game of tug of war. At times I trust Him so easily, yet at other times, I seem to fight with all my might by trying to achieve in my own strength rather than trusting His.

I have found, however, that God is not interested in fighting a battle to persuade me to trust Him. He has given His word in the Bible to provide all the reasons to trust Him. Then He waits patiently for me to respond. Sometimes I quickly come into agreement with His word, while other times I have to learn the hard way.

Given His promise that we will not be disappointed when we trust Him, I have endeavored to trust Him more quickly in all matters. In trying to better understand how to trust God, I have found that there are five keys to trusting Him, which coincide with the letters T-R-U-S-T.

T – Take God at His word.

In order to trust God, I have to believe that God will not lie nor break His promises. I wonder if sometimes it is hard to trust God because we have had experiences of being let down by others in whom we have placed our trust. I know this is true for me. People make promises but often times don’t follow through. In my disappointment, my willingness to trust has become fractured. Then God reminds me, He is not like people – he will not lie. He always keeps his word.

“God is not like people, who lie; He is not a human who changes his mind. Whatever he promises, he does; He speaks, and it is done” Numbers 23:19 (GNT).

R – Rest in His presence.

In trusting God, I acknowledge that He is in control, and can rest in that rather than striving in my own strength. Trusting God takes the responsibility for the outcome off my shoulders and places it on God’s. That brings me comfort because my vision in any situation is limited to what I know about the past and the present; God has a great advantage by also knowing the future.

God is above all things and before all things. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. He is immortal, and He is present everywhere so that everyone can know Him (Revelation 21:6).

God knows all things past, present, and future. There is no limit to His knowledge, for God knows everything completely before it even happens (Romans 11:33).

U – Understand the outcome doesn’t depend on me.

When I trust God, I give up personal control while, in essence, telling God, “I believe your way is best – whatever that may be.” My understanding of myself, others, and all situations is limited. Because of that, I cannot rely on my understanding, but I can be confident in God knowing all things – including the outcome of my situation.

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.” Proverbs 3:5AMP

As I trust God, I believe that even in the hard days, even in the challenges I face when I do not see the resolution, God can turn my messes into something good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 NIV.

S – Accept that God is Sovereign

In accepting God’s sovereignty, I agree that He is the supreme source of all power and authority. Whereas I struggle with many things, nothing is too difficult for Him.

God can do all things and accomplish all things. Nothing is too difficult for Him, and He orchestrates and determines everything that is going to happen in your life, in my life, in America, and throughout the world. Whatever He wants to do in the universe, He does, for nothing is impossible with Him (Jeremiah 32:17).

God is in control of all things and rules over all things. He has power and authority over nature, earthly kings, history, angels, and demons. Even Satan himself has to ask God’s permission before he can act (Psalm 103:19).

T – Testimony of others and my own previous experiences

In times when my own ability to trust wanes, I can be encouraged by others’ testimony about what God has done in their lives. I can also recall my own past experiences when God has worked in my life.

“They had power over him and won because of the blood of the Lamb and by telling what He had done for them [testimony].” Revelation 12:11

So as I endeavor to trust God for quickly and completely, in the big things and the little things, I can be confident that He will be true to His word, He is completely in control, He already knows the outcome, He is sovereign, and He has shown himself repeatedly good and true in others’ lives and my own. In trusting Him, I will not be disappointed.

Michelle, this is such an excellent post. It sums up what we spoke of and what I’ve been reminded of since our conversation. Your format will stick with me too! I’m going to print it out and put in in my Bible too! Blessings friend!

Darling Girl,
This is awesome. It should be published in a magazine, a book! Such truth the Lord is showing you is amazing.I love this and I can see how your tender Father has lovingly guided you in your journey. I see His face now, “She’s got it. She’s looking a lot like Me. She’s going to take My message around the world.” I love you and love your message! So affirming, so full of confidence, so bringing us into intimacy with our Creator!

Hi – I came here from Books and Such. Glad I did, because this post addresses one of the tough areas in my life now.

Or, rather, two of them – PTSD and an illness that will likely prove lethal.

Squaring the experience of combat with a loving God can be tough. The question of how he allows horrible things to happen is operative, but it’s not really relevant – because he does allow them, and it’s up to us to deal with them for His sake.

But where does one draw the line? When the only effective antidote to terror is savagery, what then? It’s not really a matter of guilt for awful things done in the right cause…it’s more the smell of blood that I can’t clear from my nostrils, and the images that won’t leave my dreams.

But maybe He’s using those, so that I can be a more effective witness, and a more compassionate individual. The demons have stayed with me down the years, but the desire to help others overcome them, or understand those people in their lives who also face them, is stronger.

Sometimes I have the feeling that He’s in my face, yelling “Tell them! Don’t you quit on Me!” Not the kindly father, but the hard commander, and maybe He knows that’s what I relate to best.

Facing my own death is easier, because it’s a clean fight. The temptation is to ask why my life had to fall apart at a comparatively young age, but again, that’s an invalid question. Lots of lives end earlier. WHy should I expect to be a special case?

I’ve come to the conclusion that the last legacy we live is found in how we die – whether we face it with honor, resolution, and composure, exerting all of our efforts to the last, or whether we degenerate into a mewling blob of self-pity.

So bring on the pain. I may feel abandoned and alone some days, but I know I’m not, and those feelings will pass. Let this experience be an affirmation of faith, and a sound rebuff to Satan.